Is a positive Helicobacter pylori antibody test serious?
Nov 28, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, a positive Helicobacter pylori antibody test usually indicates that the patient has previously been infected with Helicobacter pylori, but it does not directly indicate whether the infection is currently present. This is because antibodies can persist for a long time after infection, even if the infection has been controlled or cleared. If the patient only shows a positive antibody result without other abnormalities, it is generally not considered serious.
Generally, a positive Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibody test usually indicates that the patient has previously been infected with H. pylori, but it does not directly confirm whether the infection is currently active. Antibodies may persist for a long time after infection, even if the infection has been controlled or cleared. If the patient only presents with a positive antibody result and no other abnormalities, the condition is generally not serious. However, if other symptoms are present, it typically indicates a more severe condition. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If the patient only presents with a positive antibody result, without any symptoms or signs of gastric lesions identified through gastroscopy, the condition is generally not considered serious and usually does not require specific treatment. Regular follow-up examinations are recommended.
If the patient experiences symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, acid reflux, or bad breath, the condition is considered more serious. Treatment can be administered using triple or quadruple therapy. These drug regimens typically include antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors, aiming to eradicate the H. pylori infection.
H. pylori infection can spread through oral-oral, fecal-oral routes, and family members are susceptible to mutual infection. Therefore, attention should be paid to food hygiene in daily life, such as implementing separate meals, using serving chopsticks, and avoiding consumption of unclean food, to reduce the chance of infection.
